Sport Holster Belt

ABSTRACT

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a holster belt for carrying a weapon, tool, or other implement. The belt includes a tension portion to provide retention of the belt to the user and one or more attachment devices for attaching an interchangeable holster to the belt for carrying the implement.

BACKGROUND

Implements, such as tools, weapons, and the like, may be encased in a holster for protection of the implement and/or the user, while providing access to the implement. For example, a holster may allow a user to conveniently carry the implement, safely retaining the implement until needed. When the implement is to be used, the user may withdraw the implement from the holster, and then return it to the holster when finished. In some cases, such as with a handgun for example, the holster may allow the user to conceal the implement, or to conceal the fact that the user is carrying the implement.

In some situations, the user may desire to carry the implement while wearing athletic or leisure type clothing. In these situations, the user may desire to carry the implement at the waistband of the clothing, to conceal the implement or for other reasons (such as for easy access, for example). In many cases, the athletic or leisure type clothing worn by the user may not provide sufficient rigidity or stability to support the holster and the implement. Further, the weight of the implement and the holster may pull on the clothing, causing the clothing to sag or to move to an undesired position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components. Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices and/or systems may include additional components, or various combinations of the described components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure, unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example sport holster belt, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sport holster belt of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example sport holster belt, shown in a linear profile, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the sport holster belt of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example sport holster belt, shown in a linear profile, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a holster belt (“belt”) for carrying a weapon, tool, or other implement. The belt includes one or more attachment devices that may be used to temporarily or permanently attach one or more interchangeable holster components (i.e., holsters, holster backers, etc.) for carrying an implement. In an example, the attachment devices removeably attach an interchangeable holster component to the belt, which can be exchanged with another holster component by the user as desired.

In various implementations, the belt portion is comprised of multiple layers. The layers may be combined to provide various desired characteristics for the belt, such as strength, comfort, resilience, utility, weight, and so forth. For instance, outer layers may provide strength and utility while inner layers may provide comfort. For example, the user may desire to wear the belt next to the skin. In many examples, all layers may contribute to desired light weight characteristics and resilience.

In an implementation, the belt includes a tension portion to provide retention of the belt to the user. For example, the tension portion is coupled to a belt portion and will at least partially flex when the belt portion is wrapped around the user, to provide retention of the belt portion to the user. This is advantageous when the user is wearing clothing (such as many types of athletic or leisure clothing) that has no belt loops or that would not be able to support the weight of the holster and implement. The tension portion allows the belt to be retained on the body of the user, rather than relying on the user's clothing for support. In an implementation, the tension portion is located within a gap formed in one or more layers of the belt portion.

In another implementation, the belt includes a closure portion coupled to at least one end of the belt portion. In the implementation, the closure portion temporarily couples together the ends of the belt portion when the belt portion is wrapped around the user. In one example, the closure portion comprises hook and loop fasteners, or the like.

Techniques and devices are discussed with reference to example handgun belts and holsters illustrated in the figures. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and is for ease of discussion and illustrative convenience. The techniques and devices discussed may be applied to a belt arranged to be coupled to any of various cases, case designs, combinations, and the like, (e.g., holsters, sheaths, covers, cases, carriers, scabbards, etc.) for encasing tools, weapons, or other implements, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Further, the techniques and devices are discussed and illustrated generally with reference to a concealed carry style holster. This is also not intended to be limiting. In various implementations, the techniques and devices may be employed with inside waistband (IWB) holsters, outside waistband (OWB) holsters as well as holsters that may be worn in various ways using a belt. In alternate implementations, the techniques and devices may be employed in other ways or with other devices, systems, instruments, or the like.

Implementations are explained in more detail below using a plurality of examples. Although various implementations and examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.

Example Holster Belt

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, an example holster belt 100 is shown in several non-limiting example configurations. In various embodiments, as shown in the FIGS. 1-5, a holster belt 100 includes a belt portion (102 and 104), a tension portion 106, a closure portion (108 and 110), and one or more attachment devices 112. In various implementations, the attachment devices 112 temporarily or permanently couple an implement holster component 116 to the belt portion 102. In various implementations, the holster component 116 is optional to the holster belt 100, and a variety of different types, designs, and arrangements of holsters 116 can be coupled to the holster belt 100 as desired by the user. In alternate implementations, the holster belt 100 and the holster component 116 may be combined as a single system, such as a holster belt assembly, for example.

In an implementation, the belt portion (102 and 104) is wrapped around the body of a user. For instance, the belt portion (102 and 104) may be wrapped around the midsection of the body of the user when the belt 100 is worn by the user (e.g., when the belt 100 is worn at the waist of the user). In other examples, the belt portion (102 and 104) may be wrapped around another body portion of the user (e.g., around the hips, across the chest and/or shoulder, etc.) as desired.

In one implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the belt portion (102 and 104) is comprised of at least a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 include the two ends of the belt portion (102 and 104), respectively. In other words, the first portion 102 includes one end and the second portion 104 includes the other end. In some implementations, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are separate components (separated by a gap, for example) and in other implementations, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 comprise two ends of the same component.

In various implementations, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the belt portion (102 and 104) is comprised of multiple layers. For example, the belt portion (102 and 104) may be comprised of multiple parallel layers (as shown in FIGS. 1-5). In one implementation, the multiple layers comprise at least two different materials. In some implementations, the first portion 102 may be comprised of different layers (e.g., different quantity of layers and/or different materials, etc.) than the second portion 104. In other implementations, the first 102 and second 104 portions may be comprised of the same layers.

In an implementation, one or both of the first 102 and second 104 portions are comprised of multiple layers, including at least an outer layer 202 and an inner layer 204. In the example, the first 102 and/or second 104 portions may include one or more layers between the outer layer 202 and the inner layer 204, or none. In one implementation, at least one layer of the multiple layers comprises a substantially non-elastic material (e.g., a nylon material, a para-aramid or aramid material, a fiberglass material, a metallic material, an animal hide, or the like).

In one implementation, the outer layer 202 and the inner layer 204 are comprised of different materials. For example, the inner layer 204 may be comprised of a resilient material that is more comfortable to be worn against skin. In contrast, middle layer(s) or the outer layer 202 may be comprised of a material that is highly durable, without as much consideration to comfort. In one example, the outer layer 202 is comprised of a robust nylon material (or the like) and the inner layer is comprised of a more comfortable, yet resilient, neoprene material (or the like).

In an implementation, the tension portion 106 is coupled to the belt portion (102 and 104) and is arranged to at least partially flex, so as to be under tension, when the belt portion (102 and 104) is wrapped around the user. In the implementation, the tension portion 106 provides retention of the belt portion (102 and 104) to the user through the flexing. For example, when wearing the belt 100, the user may pull the belt portion (102 and 104) tight around the user's body, at least partially flexing the tension portion 106, and couple the ends of the belt portion (102 and 104) with the tension portion 106 under tension. Doing so can increase the grip or retention of the belt 100 on the user.

In one implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the tension portion 106 is located within a gap in one or more layers (e.g., 202, 204, etc.) of the belt portion (102 and 104), between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104, and bridging the gap in the one or more layers of the belt portion (102 and 104). In various examples, the gap is either a partial or a complete separation between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104.

For example, in one implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the first portion 102 is coupled to a first end of the tension portion 106 and the second portion 104 is coupled to a second end of the tension portion 106. In alternate implementations, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 may also be in direct contact (e.g., may be coupled) at one or more points at or adjacent to the tension portion 106.

For instance, in one implementation, the tension portion 106 is located within a gap in the outer layer 202 of the belt portion (102 and 104). In the implementation, the inner layer 204 spans across the belt portions (102 and 104) and the tension portion 106. For example, the inner layer 204 spans across the first portion 102, across the tension portion 106, and across the second portion 104. In such an implementation, the inner layer 204 may be comprised of a flexible or semi-flexible material. In alternate implementations, one or more middle layers (if present) may include the gap or may span across the belt portions (102 and 104) and the tension portion 106.

In various implementations, the tension portion 106 comprises a resilient flexible or semi-flexible material (e.g., spandex, rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like). In the implementations, the thickness of the material used for the tension portion 106 may be chosen based on a desired flexibility and durability, and may include a single layer or multiple layers. In multiple layer implementations, the multiple layers may comprise the same material, or two or more different materials.

In an implementation, the closure portion (108 and 110) is coupled to at least one end of the belt portion (102 and 104), to temporarily couple together the ends of the belt portion (102 and 104) when the belt portion (102 and 104) is wrapped around the user. For instance, in various examples, the closure portion (108 and 110) may be coupled to one or both of the first portion 102 and the second portion 104.

In an implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the closure portion (108 and 110) is a multi-part closure portion, including a first part 108 coupled to the first portion 102 and a second part 110 coupled to the second portion 104. In the implementation, the closure portion (108 and 110) temporarily couples together one end of the belt 100, located at the first portion 102, and the other end of the belt 100, located at the second portion 104, when the belt portion (102, 104) is wrapped around the user.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the closure portion (108 and 110) includes hook and loop fastener material. For instance, in an example, the first part 108 of the closure portion (108 and 110) comprises either a hook material or a loop material and the second part 110 of the closure portion (108 and 110) comprises the other of the hook material or the loop material.

In one implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first part 108 is coupled to the outer layer 202 at one end of the belt portion (102, 104) and the second part 110 is coupled to the inner layer 204 at the other end of the belt portion (102, 104). In such an implementation, the first part 108 can contact the second part 110 when the belt portion (102, 104) is wrapped around the user. Contacting the first part 108 to the second part 110 secures the belt 100 on the user in the desired position with the desired tightness. The user adjusts the tension of the belt 100 while wrapping the belt around the user by pulling on the ends of the belt portion (102, 104) and flexing (i.e., stretching) the tension portion 106, putting the tension portion 106 under tension, and then coupling the first part 108 to the second part 110 while the tension portion 106 is under the desired tension.

In another implementation, as shown in FIG. 5, the first part 108 and the second part 110 are coupled to the outer layer 202 at one end of the belt portion (102, 104) and another closure part 502 is coupled to the belt portion (102, 104) at the other end of the belt portion (102, 104). For example, the other closure part 502 may include a D-ring, a loop, or the like. In such an implementation, the first part 108 can contact the second part 110 when the belt portion (102, 104) is wrapped around the user and then the second part 110 is threaded through the closure part 502. The second part 110 is folded over the closure part 502 to couple the second part 110 to the first part 108. Contacting the second part 110 to the first part 108 secures the belt 100 on the user in the desired position with the desired tightness. The user adjusts the tension of the belt 100 while wrapping the belt around the user by pulling on the ends of the belt portion (102, 104) and flexing (i.e., stretching) the tension portion 106, putting the tension portion 106 under tension, and then coupling the second part 110 to the first part 108 while the tension portion 106 is under the desired tension.

The examples shown in FIGS. 1-5 and described herein are not intended to be limiting. In alternate implementations, the closure portion (108 and 110) may have other arrangements or configurations, and may be used with additional closure components to temporarily couple together the ends of the belt 100 when the belt portion (102 and 104) is wrapped around the user.

In an implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the one or more attachment devices 112 are coupled to the belt portion (102 and 104) to permanently or releaseably couple an implement holster component 116 to the belt portion (102 and 104). In one implementation, the attachment devices 112 couple a holster component 116 such as a holster backer, for example, to the belt portion (102 and 104). In the implementation, the holster component 116 includes one or more releasable fasteners (not shown) to removeably couple one of a multiplicity of covers to the holster component 116 in a modular fashion. In the implementation, the modular covers augment the holster component 116 as desired, to carry a multiplicity of different implements with the holster component 116. In various implementations, the releasable fasteners may include snap-type fasteners, screw and nut fasteners, or the like.

In an example as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment devices 112 include mounting fixtures 206 and releasable fasteners (not shown) to removeably couple the implement holster component 116 to the belt portion (102 and 104) via mounting locations 118. In the example, the implement holster component 116 is removeably and interchangeably coupled to the belt portion (102 and 104) by the mounting fixtures 206 of the one or more attachment devices 112, using one or more releasable fasteners.

In an implementation, the one or more attachment devices 112 include multiple attachment locations 114 to couple the implement holster component 116 to the belt portion (102 and 104). In various examples, one or more of the mounting locations 114 of the attachment devices 112 can be used with one or more of the mounting locations 118 of the holster component 116 when coupling the holster component 116 to the belt portion 102.

In the implementation, the multiple attachment locations 114 can be used to provide multiple configurations for carrying or wearing the holster component 116. For example, the implement holster component 116 is adjustable via the multiple attachment locations 114 to change a relative position of the implement holster component 116 with respect to the belt portion (102 and 104). For instance, the ride height and/or the cant of the holster component 116 may be configured or adjusted by moving a mounting location 118 of the holster component 116 from a first attachment location 114 to a second attachment location 114. Making such adjustments on one or both sides of the holster component 116 can adjust the relative position of the holster component 116, including providing forward, neutral, and reverse carry positions.

In one implementation, the attachment devices 112 include features 208 to temporarily attach the belt portion (102 and 104) to an article or garment of the user. In the implementation, the features 208 comprise hooks, clips, or the like, for temporarily coupling the belt portion (102 and 104) to an article of clothing. For example, the belt 100 can be worn inside of a pair of trousers. The features 208 can be hooked, clipped, etc. to a waistband of the trousers to maintain a position of the holster belt 100 to the trousers, for instance. This can improve ease of access to a holstered implement carried by the holster belt 100.

The components and techniques discussed herein with respect to the holster belt 100 are intended to be used in the production of new holster belts or in the retro-fitting of existing holsters. In various embodiments, existing holsters may be upgraded or re-fitted with one or more of the components (e.g., belt portion (102 and 104), tension portion 106, closure portion (108 and 110), attachment portions 112, etc.) and/or using one or more of the described techniques either individually or in various combinations. In an embodiment, the use of the described components and techniques result in modular holster belts 100 that are capable of coupling to interchangeable holster components 116, or the like. Further, such modular holster belts 100 may be configured and/or adjusted for various user wearing or carry options and locations.

As discussed above, the techniques, components, and devices described herein with respect to the implementations are not limited to the illustrations of FIGS. 1-5, and may be applied to other belts, holster components and devices, and case designs, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some cases, additional or alternative components, techniques, sequences, or processes may be used to implement the techniques described herein. Further, the components and/or techniques may be arranged and/or combined in various combinations, while resulting in similar or approximately identical results. It is to be understood that a holster belt 100 may be implemented as a stand-alone device (without a holster component 116) or as part of a system (e.g., integrated with other components, including for example a holster component 116, as described above). In various implementations, additional or alternative components may be used to accomplish the disclosed techniques and arrangements.

CONCLUSION

While various discreet embodiments have been described throughout, the individual features of the various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described. The embodiments formed by combining the features of described embodiments are also within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a belt portion arranged to be wrapped around a body portion of a user; a tension portion coupled to the belt portion and arranged to at least partially flex when the belt portion is wrapped around the user, to provide retention of the belt portion to the user; a closure portion coupled to at least one end of the belt portion to temporarily couple together the at least one end and another end of the belt portion when the belt portion is wrapped around the user; and one or more attachment devices coupled to the belt portion to couple an implement holster to the belt portion.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the belt portion is comprised of multiple layers.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the multiple layers comprise layers of at least two different materials.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one layer of the multiple layers comprises a non-elastic material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein an innermost layer of the multiple layers comprises a resilient material that is comfortable to be worn against skin.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension portion comprises a resilient flexible or semi-flexible material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension portion is located within a gap in one or more layers of the belt portion, bridging the gap in the one or more layers of the belt portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure portion includes hook and loop fastener material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment devices include mounting fixtures and releasable fasteners to removeably couple the implement holster to the belt portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment devices include hooks or clips for temporarily coupling the belt portion to an article of clothing.
 11. A holster belt assembly, comprising: a belt portion arranged to be wrapped around a body portion of a user; a tension portion coupled to the belt portion and arranged to at least partially flex when the belt portion is wrapped around the user, to provide retention of the belt portion to the user; a closure portion coupled to at least one end of the belt portion to temporarily couple together the at least one end and another end of the belt portion when the belt portion is wrapped around the user; one or more attachment devices coupled to the belt portion to couple an implement holster to the belt portion; and an implement holster coupled to the belt portion via the one or more attachment devices and one or more releasable fasteners.
 12. The holster belt assembly of claim 11, wherein the belt portion comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being coupled to a first end of the tension portion and the second portion being coupled to a second end of the tension portion.
 13. The holster belt assembly of claim 12, wherein the first portion includes the at least one end of the belt portion and the second portion includes the other end of the belt portion.
 14. The holster belt assembly of claim 11, wherein the belt portion comprises multiple parallel layers, including an outer layer and an inner layer.
 15. The holster belt assembly of claim 14, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are comprised of different materials.
 16. The holster belt assembly of claim 14, wherein the outer layer is comprised of a nylon material and the inner layer is comprised of a neoprene material.
 17. The holster belt assembly of claim 14, wherein the closure portion includes a first part coupled to the outer layer at the at least one end of the belt portion and a second part coupled to the inner layer at the other end of the belt portion.
 18. The holster belt assembly of claim 17, wherein the first part of the closure portion comprises one of a hook material or a loop material of a hook and loop fastener and the second part of the closure portion comprises the other of the hook material or the loop material of the hook and loop fastener.
 19. The holster belt assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more attachment devices include multiple attachment locations to couple the implement holster to the belt portion, the implement holster adjustable via the multiple attachment locations to change a relative position of the implement holster with respect to the belt portion, including forward, neutral, and reverse carry positions.
 20. A holster belt assembly, comprising: a belt portion comprised of multiple parallel layers and arranged to be wrapped around a body portion of a user; a tension portion coupled within a gap in one or more layers of the belt portion and arranged to flex so as to be under tension when the belt portion is wrapped around the user, to provide retention of the belt portion to the user; a multi-part closure portion, including a first part coupled to a first end of the belt portion and a second part coupled to a second end of the belt portion, and arranged to temporarily couple together the first end and the second end of the belt portion when the belt portion is wrapped around the user; one or more attachment devices coupled to the belt portion to couple an implement holster to the belt portion and to temporarily attach the belt portion to an article or garment of the user; and an implement holster removeably and interchangeably coupled to the belt portion via the one or more attachment devices using one or more releasable fasteners.
 21. The holster belt assembly of claim 20, further comprising one or more releasable fasteners arranged to removeably couple one of a multiplicity of covers to the holster in a modular fashion, to carry one of a multiplicity of implements with the holster. 